"I believe than any man's life will be filled with constant, unexpected encouragements...if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day of his life--that is, tries to make each day reach as nearly as possible the high-water mark of pure, unselfish, useful living. I pity the man, black or white, who has never experienced the joy and satisfaction that comes to one by reason of an effort to assist in making someone else more useful and more happy."
Ladies, you might also benefit from these sounds and come away with a sense of well-being, instead of listening to the discouraging reports in media. I like to have some nature sounds to alleviate any tension, and it is good background for housework ;-)
I hope you get something done while you listen today.
In the radio broadcast I spoke of a dress I just completed and will supply some of the details for you later. The fabric is from Hobby Lobby and has a Queen Anns Lace print.
The dress is a Simplicity pattern which I re-designed a little to resemble a Western type costume I had seen on Pinterest. The hat is from a Butterick vintage style pattern. I'll try to include pictures of the patterns later.
I have been making a lot of these hats lately and thought I might attempt to include my own personalized version of a pattern for them--one that I made up, and step by step instructions, in another post (someday).
I have not finished the inside of this one yet, as it needs a binding over the inside seam.
Here is a bouquet of Queen Ann's Lace which grows wild outside, and I've placed it next to the print of the fabric. You can see the rick-rack trim on the sleeve here, as well as in the neckline.
I figured out how to get a full length picture of myself wearing the dress:
I've been so busy at home now, with more and more to find, fix and finish. I took a little time off today to read aloud and I hope you get a lot done while listening. My hope is that within the stories you can find inspiration for the home.
I also enjoy some nature sounds while I do various things at home, and you might enjoy them too.
Here is a great poem for you and your family to read aloud and eventually quote by memory.
Although published in 1911, it was a commentary on the "hectic pace of modern life."
People who lived aforetime thought their lives were too rushed and full of pressure! Poets and writers admonished people to "stop and smell the roses."
Leisure
by William Henry Davies (Welsh: 1871-1940)
What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass, Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight, Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this is if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.
Today I talk about the resources within you and read from the book by Booker T. Washington, American Educator, (1856-1915).
The verse I read today relates to all that I said in the video, and it means what I have thought for a long time: do not wait for the world to be just right before you live your life, improve yourself or your home:
"He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap." Ecclesastes 11:4 The books I read from today tell of people who attempted to do things, and after failing several times, succeeded. I'm sure we can all use this inspiration in home life.
I hope, no matter what your age, you are enjoying learning at home and being "homeschooled" with these videos.
Here is the guest room I was in while I talked today:
Here also are some calming sounds:
You might also check out the other videos with seasonal sounds or locations like lakes, ocean, forest,
and more.
A few of my readers enjoy peeking into lovely homes, and the Princess Home videos are very soothing:
I took this picture recently when there was an interesting haze over everything. It was like having a filter on the camera.
I am busy today de-cluttering and sewing but I hope to make another video for you soon. In the meantime, please go to the continuous play on the left of this blog if you want to listen to the older videos.
Today I have:
Prepared for the day
Been for a walk and made a few remarks to the rabbit that freely roams around here
Heard the crows
Moved the water sprinklers around the land
Made my ambitious list
Folded sheets and pillowcases fresh from the line
I liked the dollar store calendar page for July this year because it is the most beautiful one I have seen in a long time. No matter what the hemisphere in which you live, the calendar publishers do not always make July a very pretty picture.
For those of you who want a little more to mentally chew on:
In this next video, below, he deals with the gloom and doom type of things we are always hearing that make us less productive in life. (judging by his accent I would guess the speaker is Jamaican.) I love the scriptures he uses.
Today's post is to aid you in having a successful and lovely homemaking day.
Poems:
Hurry the Baby (A Man While You Wait) by Nixon Waterman
O Give Me Patience When Little Hands
Babies Don’t Keep
Jeannette and Jo
Making a Man by Nixon Waterman
Hurry the baby as fast as you can,
Hurry him, worry him, making him a man.
Off with his baby clothes, get him in pants,
Feed him on brain foods and make him advance.
Hustle him, soon as he's able to walk,
Into a grammar school; cram him with talk.
Fill his poor head full of figures and facts,
Keep on a-jamming them in till it cracks.
Once boys grew up at a rational rate,
Now we develop a man while you wait,
Rush him through college, compel him to grab
Of every known subject a dip or a dab.
Get him in business and after the cash,
All by the time he can grow a mustache.
Let him forget he was ever a boy,
Make gold his god and its jingle his joy.
Keep him a-hustling and clear out of breath,
Until he wins - nervous prostration and death.
A Mother's Prayer
Oh give me patience when little hands
Tug at me with ceaseless small demands.
Keep my lips from hasty, sharp replies,
And give me gentle, smiling eyes.
Let not weariness, confusion and noise
Obscure me from life's fleeting joys.
So in years to come when my house is still,
Beautiful memories its rooms may fill.
This was an embroidery I had on my wall many years ago. I do not know if it is still available in a kit.
JEANNETTE AND JO
By Mary Maples Dodge 1837
(Note: Learning to be encouraging and cheerful has always been a problem, even back in "the olden days." Poets, writers, preachers and teachers often addressed this subject. How much easier it is to get through a trial when your heart is rooted and grounded in hope and trust in God. This poem was written for girls.)
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11
This song has been posted here before but I thought you might like it again while cleaning the kitchen or some other job. This will give you a change to learn it by heart.
What a wonderful, luxurious richness there is, that crosses all social and economic lines, in that first sip of the day from a fine tea cup. It is as welcome when taken while in a primitive setting or a royal one. In fact, that lovely, refining cup of tea makes everything royal. It truly sets the tone for the day, especially when sipped thoughtfully.
Today I want to share some pattern pictures for those who are interested in sewing without zippers:
Simplicity 8981 (2020)
This one has easy sleeves that are attached already.
New Look 6352
This one (above) is my all around favorite and I use it in many different ways with a variety of sleeves from other patterns. I also fold in the skirt pattern sides to make it a straight dress.It does require set in sleeves and is not easy in that respect.
Simplicity 8871 (2020)
This one has set in sleeves, which can be difficult for some people, but there is no zipper.
I have not sewn this one yet but it has no zip.
You also have to deal with facings in all these patterns, which can be a pain for non-experienced sewists. However there is also an alternative for facings: turn down the raw edge of the neckline a fourth inch and press firmly, then turn it over again to hide the raw edge, and sew it like a hem. It is hard to do on a neckline curve but much faster than a facing. I use piping or bias binding on the necklines when I don't want to sew a facing. Most facings are very easy if the pattern has been well tested. I have found some patterns with facings that won't fit. Maybe you have, too.
This Week for Your Refinement Assignment (make a list in your notebook):
Notice one ordinary thing to be thankful for and make a note of it.
Start a Home Contentment Journal and at the end of the day list the tasks you worked on, the things you completed, the observations you had, and your ideas .
Send out one card or a personal newsletter to one person.
Pray for anyone who has been spiteful, disgruntled, sharp and critical.
Correct one character flaw in yourself.
Exercise every day, even if it is a few stretches. It helps balance the thinking and the emotions.
Engage in pleasant talk and avoid contradicting and arguing. It will go a long way to cutting down on stress.
Do one creative thing this week if you can manage it.
I do hope today will be a time for getting through personal challenges and making good use of the time God has given you.
